January Staff Spotlight: Mieke Fritz

We are so excited to introduce you to the Bakehouse Team!

We enjoy getting to know everyone who walks through our doors so we thought you may like to know a little bit more about those behind the counter here at the Bakehouse! Each month we'll feature a member of our team, share a little bit about them, and how they made their way to the Bakehouse. Without further ado, please meet this month's featured team member, Franklin Bakehouse’s amazing Kitchen Manager, Mieke Fritz!

Name:

Mieke Fritz

Position:

Kitchen Manager

Can you share a little bit about yourself:

I am a crazy poor Asian, but I love my job and kids and those are the two things that get me through life!

Why did you want to join the Bakehouse team?

I came upon this job when it was time for me to move on from my old job, and a really good friend suggested Franklin Bakehouse! When I met Angie, she was so passionate about her business and so passionate about helping girls out and running an all-women business, which I loved about her! I want to help girls/women out because I have had some past trauma that has made me the woman I am today strong, empowering, and independent!!

What do you like most about working at Franklin Bakehouse?

The team at Franklin Bakehouse is what makes it so fun!! I love coming to work to see my teammates - ready to work and ready to have a good time!!

One word that you would use to describe your team and why:

Amazing!!! They are willing to learn, get their hands dirty, to lend a helping hand to whoever, however!! And so fun to joke around with and have good times with!!

Your favorite Bakehouse item/meal? 

Bakehouse Focaccia is literally the best!! I also love our Housemade Blue Cheese Spread! It is so good!!!

What do you like to do outside of work? 

Spending time with my kids is always fun!! I love to hang out with family and friends, but also, I like to self-reflect and take time for myself!!

What is something people don’t know about you that you would like them to know?: 

I think pretty much everyone knows everything about me! I wear my heart on my sleeve, I love with my whole heart. I put my everything into my job and try to do my best with my kids! I'm definitely not perfect, but I try my hardest!!  Fun Fact: I was adopted from Seoul Korea when I was 6 months old. As far as I know, I lived in foster care with an older woman until I got adopted. My First Korean name was Jung Hwa Kim which was then changed to Mieke. My parents came up with my name when they were reading a newspaper article about Arie Luyendyk Sr. - an Indy race car driver - and his wife is named Mieke.

Anything else you would like to share?

I would like to thank Angie for taking me in and giving me a chance at this job, teaching me so many things, and believing in me. Also, I want to thank those who have helped me when I was in rough patches in my life, who has helped me find who I am today, as the person I am now!!

Isn’t Mieke incredible!? We could never thank Mieke enough for all of her hard work and her strong commitment to the Franklin Bakehouse. We are truly honored to have her as part of the family. So, next time you stop by, don’t forget and say “hi” to our amazing Kitchen Manager, Mieke. We look forward to seeing you!